MAWKYRWAT, June 30: Citing threats to the demographic integrity of border villages, the South West Khasi Hills District Congress Committee (SWKHDCC) has demanded that the district administration involve Dorbar Shnongs to prevent the enrolment of illegal immigrants in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
A delegation led by SWKHDCC president Kynpham V Kharlyngdoh met district officials to voice concerns over the district’s proximity to the international border with Bangladesh. Kharlyngdoh stated that any lapse in verification during the SIR could lead to a “dilution” of the indigenous population, creating social and security concerns.
“We request that the verification process be carried out through rigorous field enquiry and strict scrutiny of documents,” Kharlyngdoh said. He urged the administration to seek the active participation of Dorbar Shnongs and local NGOs, arguing that these grassroots institutions are best positioned to identify residents and ensure only those legally entitled are enrolled.
While pushing for a “clean” list, the SWKHDCC also cautioned against the disenfranchisement of genuine Indian citizens. The party noted that many eligible residents are currently away from their native villages for higher education, employment, or business.
“Such persons should not be excluded merely because of their temporary absence from their villages during the verification process,” Kharlyngdoh said, stressing that the constitutional rights of local students and workers must be protected.
The committee further highlighted the challenges faced by elderly residents and those in remote or economically weaker sections. Kharlyngdoh expressed concern that these groups often lack the necessary guidance to apply for Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) due to misinformation. He urged the administration to launch special awareness programmes and facilitation measures to assist these citizens in participating in the revision process without fear or confusion.
